I once asked Tim about what would happen if Luo (his Bagua teacher) fought Rickson Gracie. He didn't really feel like that was a fair question and said, "Rickson Gracie is probably the toughest man on the planet," or something like that. Also, Royce Gracie, the winner of the first UFC, said that his brother was ten times better than him and could beat anyone.

Well, naturally, after hearing these things, I became very interested in Rickson Gracie. I have checked out his web site and read an interview in Black Belt magazine, but I don't really know much about him. Are the fights in Japan called 'Vale Tudo,' even though that's a Portuguese term? What, exactly, are the rules? Does anyone know how old he is?

I would like to hear any information that you guys have about Rickson Gracie. It's hard to be a fan of someone you don't know much about. Thanks.

The term 'Vale Tudo' (Portuguese for 'anything goes') is used to describe fighting competitions that are relatively "no holds barred." In original Vale Tudo competitions in Brazil, the only prohibitions were against biting and eye gouging. The original UFC (created by Rorion Gracie) was patterned after the Brazilian Vale Tudo events. Presently, outside Brazil, there are generally more rules (no headbutting for example). The rules depend on the particular event.

Rickson is in his early 40s. If you are interested in more information, there is a documentary on Rickson and his participation in the Japanese Pride event called "Choke."

Just my 2 cents.

Rickson Gracie is probably one of the premire 'internal' martial artists currently in the world today. Awesome physical conditioning, sensitity like the internal teachers of old, flexiblity and he's a very metaphysical thinker when it regards to martial arts as a vehicle for self cultivation.

But, a lot of folks that train in IMA's won't pay attention to him because he trains in his family's style of JJ. Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Many closed minded people think, "what does he know, it isn't even a Chinese style..."

People that have trained with him or fought him (yes, he still fights. Not just setup stuff with his students but real fights for money) have used the terms of him being like a "ghost." "Fighting Rickson is like trying to grab water." "There's nothing to push on." Phrases like these, sound familiar, don't they?

I believe both men (Luo & Rickson) would respect eachother's abilities and probably enjoy having a good meal discussing training methods than ever entertaining fighting eachother.

good training,
Joe

Hey Joe (or Macaco),

I am wondering what sets him apart from the rest of the Gracies. Does he train differently? I read, somewhere else on this site, that he attributes 50 percent of his success to his practice of yoga. Does he know something the rest of us don't, or does he just train harder? Obviously, he must have unusual natural ability, like a Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, but he has made the most of that ability. That's about all any of us can do. Don't you think? I want to know exactly how he does it. Thanks for sharing your insight.

Steven

Hi Steven,

I'll share my opinion. I think it's a combination of things. I believe he has unusual natural ability and he has made most of his potential. His brother Royler is an extremely hardworking fighter, who's been tremedously successful internationally, in a variety of fighting venues but even he states that Rickson is a cut above him and everyone else.

He's been doing Yoga for a long time. I believe that it's helped him greatly. Tim, has done a lot of Yoga in his lifetime and he attributes a lot of his strength, balance and flexibility to the study.

The funny thing about Rickson is he doesn't "do" fancy techniques. It's all simple stuff. If you have the opportunity to watch any of his fights, they all end with techniques that you learn in your first 3 months of training. The difference is he's able to pull them off on some very savvy opponents. In fact, he'll sometimes tell guys what he's going to get them with and then get them with it.

Definately, a person with unique abilities and talent. Also, from what others have told me a very classy guy.

Tim, tell everyone about the reffing/bathroom story...

regards,
Joe

All I'll say is that every time I've talked to Rickson, he's always 'on,' he has the type of demeanor that commands respect.

Actually, Rickson practices an exercise system develped by Orlando Cani, popularly known as "Ginastica Natural." Orlando Cani is a Brazilian teacher that based his system on a combination of Kenpo, Taijiquan, BJJ, Yoga and his own observations of the movements of animals. He is in his 70's now I believe and still teaching in Brazil. He says that Rickson Gracie is the best student he ever had. Rickson credits much of his success as a fighter to his practice with Orlando Cani.

From a martial accomplishement perspective --(actual competetions)-- and not neccesarily the calender angle--(overated date and time commencement of study)--we have in Tim Cartmell, Luo's senior student.

At the risk of drawing some Betty Come Lately ire,I sure know what side of the "unfair" line I choose to read from.

RIO...RIO...DE..JANERIO!

CoolHandLuke,

I have no idea what you mean by that statement.

I think Cool Hand Luke mis-spelled "Janeiro".

Luke,
Just my opinion but I think intelligent people should stay away from mind altering substances before they write.

That must make me most qualified to comment.

I believe that the first comment relates to Tim's 'real' fighting experience versus training experience.

The second relates to the king of cross-dressers, Big Balled Betty, to whom CHL, believes some Johnny Come Lately has developed a strong fixation/flirtation with.

Never been to Rio, but i'm sure its a very nice place.

Speaking of forming strong attachments, personally i've missed you, (been engaged in secret training practising your 'lines', or perhaps trolling the archives in source of inspiration) these other posters are much to sanguine for my tastes. I hear there's a nice spa down in the basement/boiler room, room enough for two, or if we squeeze up maybe Bob#2 can fit in.

Chris,

Did your mother have any children who are not irretrievably stupid?

Go easy on me, i've haven't fully recovered my hearing from your last earbashing. I was merely offering so that you had the chance to put on the bathrobe you like to wear so much, nothing kinky or anything.

According to the family tree, i come from a long line of eunuchs.

Is "Ginastico Natural" a fighting art or an exercise regimen?

OK, I'll bite: Tim, tell us the "reffing/bathroom" story.

Also, for anyone interested, here's an interview with Orlando Cani where he talks about his system and Rickson's training:

http://www.geocities.com/global_training_report/orlando.htm

Ok then, it's not an exciting story, but significant perhaps to those familiar with BJJ competitions: I was reffing at the Copa Pacifica, the largest BJJ tournament on the West coast. I had been reffing all day, and had about 100 arguments over points. Unlike Judo and other tournaments, at most BJJ tournaments everyone yells at and argues with the refs in most matches. Except with Rickson. I needed a break and Rickson was the only one around I could ask to ref. Rickson agreed to ref one match and it finished with no score. In no score matches, the ref chooses the winner based on who he believed was more aggressive. Invariably, the coach, team mates and friends of the losing fighter expode into chaotic tirades directed at the ref. When Rickson made his decision, all around the mat were absolutely silent. I'd never seen that happen before.

Lots and lots of work,but no mind altering substances.

It is always worthwhile to take time to correct Chris Seaby.The Betty reference was not intended for the 'Big Balled'one,but rather for another who sometimes feels compelled to step in and defend.

At any rate,another poster-(original Macaco Fino)posted some absoulutely outstanding observtions above:

"People that have trained with him or fought him (yes, he still fights. Not just setup stuff with his students but real fights for money) have used the terms of him being like a "ghost." "Fighting Rickson is like trying to grab water." "There's nothing to push on." Phrases like these, sound familiar, don't they? "

"The funny thing about Rickson is he doesn't "do" fancy techniques. It's all simple stuff. If you have the opportunity to watch any of his fights, they all end with techniques that you learn in your first 3 months of training."

I applaud this posters open minded and non biased approach to martial arts.

To echo another,"In a private,quiet and honest moment" one has to very strongly consider the opinions of this poster.

I love all this macho/machismo posturing, is that one of the main differences between Gracie and Machado BJJ?

Who is Machado? Does he have his own family style or was he a former student of the Gracies?